We began our journey in 2020 during the pandemic, providing meals for the unsheltered and collaborating with farmers to gather surplus produce. In response to the Maui wildfire, we quickly reorganized, growing our dedicated volunteer staff from 20 to 800 passionate individuals committed to our mission. Read more about our story by scrolling down.
Dedicated to addressing the foundational needs of humanity – food, water, and shelter – by fostering self-organized community stewardship. In this space, where human needs are met and we live in the infinite possibility of abundance, we believe individuals can align with their inherent genius and the culture thrives organically. From a vibrant empowered community, the issues of our time can be addressed and resolved.
Our long term vision includes creating a model for community aligned with Hawaiian principles of Ahupua’a and Co-creation, which includes every aspect of community building. HHH serves as fertile ground for sowing the seeds of connection between people, land and culture ultimately leading to thriving communities where the spirit of Aloha ‘Āina prevails.
450,000+ meals served 2020-2024. Over $400k in produce delivered to hubs, families, pantries and restaurants. A growing team of self-organized, motivated, inspired, caring individuals, organizations and businesses.
Meals Served
Pounds of Maui Produce Delivered
Hours of Community Service
Volunteers
Kitchens & Partner Restaurants
Our programs are made possible by our partnerships, funders, donors, volunteers and a strong community of support. Mahalo Nui to all those who have supported the cause and our Maui community!
Rachel Tarver, HHH
Aloha,
My name is Rachel Tarver and it is an immense privilege and honor to serve as the Executive Director of Hungry Heroes Hawaii (HHH). Our mission to address the foundational needs of food, water, and shelter for the people of Maui is one that I hold close to my heart.
At HHH, we are driven by a deep commitment to our community. We believe that when the basic needs of our neighbors are met, it opens up a world of possibilities where individuals can thrive and contribute their unique gifts to the world. Our work is centered around the spirit of Aloha ‘Āina, fostering a profound connection between heart, land, and community. In the wake of the Lahaina 2023 fires, it has been a truly humbling experience to witness the dedication and compassion of our volunteers, partners, and donors as they come together to support our community.
Together, we have created a network of love and support that not only provides nourishing meals and fresh produce but also fosters hope and resilience. Our partnerships with local Maui farms, distribution hubs, locally owned restaurants, partner kitchens, and collaborative efforts with other nonprofit organizations ensure that we are making a meaningful impact every day.
Thank you for your support and for being a part of our mission. Together, we are not just feeding bodies; we are nurturing souls and building a vibrant future for Maui.
It is an honor to stand with you in service to our beautiful community.
Mahalo nui loa,
Rachel Tarver
Executive Director
Hungry Heroes Hawaii
HHH began as a group of community volunteers, no budget, no funding, and with nothing to lose. Self-organization concepts and methods have kept us growing, with many different people, leaders, enthusiasts, skills and personalities coming through, we are so grateful for everyone that played a part and contributed to Maui and this movement.
We are currently under fiscal sponsorship while we complete the application process for our own 501(c)(3) status.
Get in Touch
Hungry Heroes Hawaii, a Maui-based grassroots nonprofit, is dedicated to addressing the foundational needs of food, water, and shelter for fire survivors and the hungry on Maui. Through our meal program and partnerships with local farms, we deliver nourishing meals and fresh produce with love, fostering the spirit of Aloha ‘Āina and helping individuals thrive.
In the midst of COVID-19, Brad Kukral witnessed a homeless man get in trouble while trying to obtain food from a local grocery store. Resolute on helping support Maui’s unsheltered community which has been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, Brad and his friend, Steven Calkins, prepared 15 meals out of his home and, together, the two drove around Lahaina that night to distribute these meals to individuals experiencing food insecurity and homelessness.
Today, the Hungry Heroes Hawaiʻi program is still producing between 200 and 300 meals a day. We have been blest with the support of over 1000 amazing individuals who cook, garden and deliver meals directly into the hands of our unsheltered heroes. We have also received the invaluable support of numerous local businesses and sister organizations, for which we are incredibly humbled and grateful.
